By Matt Mackinder
Clarkston News Editor

There is an open seat on the Clarkston Community Schools Board of Education.
Last week, Board President Kelli Horst announced the resignation of Board Trustee Andrea Catalina (pictured), effective immediately. Catalina cited additional responsibilities related to her teaching position that have been added in recent years as the primary reason for the resignation.
“I feel that my responsibilities for the board, Clarkston students and the community could be unfairly compromised as I continue to spend more time in my other district,” Catalina wrote in her letter of resignation to Horst dated March 5, 2023.
“As a longtime special education teacher, Andrea has provided the board with great insight into the professional practice and mindset of teaching,” added Horst. “Clarkston has been fortunate to have her voice at the table, and we wish her well as she continues to grow in her profession and serve students, which is her driving passion.”
Catalina was elected to the board in 2016 (two-year, partial term) and re-elected to a six-year term in 2018.
“On behalf of our students and staff, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Ms. Catalina for her service to Clarkston Community Schools,” said CCS Superintendent Dr. Shawn Ryan. “We wish her the best in her future endeavors.”
Catalina added in her letter to Horst that “it has been a pleasure working with you, the other members of the Clarkston School Board, Dr. Ryan and Clarkston staff, Clarkston students, and the Clarkston community for the last seven years.”
“I appreciate all the opportunities and experience I have had to grow as a board member and be a part of this community,” Catalina said.
Per Board Policy 0142.5, the board must appoint a trustee to fill the vacancy within 30 days. The board will interview candidates and select an appointee at a public meeting at 5 p.m., March 22 in the Community Room in the Administration Building.
Interested candidates should submit a letter stating their reasons for applying and pertinent qualifications to Horst at khorst@clarkston.k12.mi.us or at the Administration Building at 6389 Clarkston Road, no later than 4 p.m. on March 20.
The next regular CCS Board of Education meeting, after this past Monday, March 13, is April 10, at 7 p.m. at the Administration Building.